Batley coach mentors '˜Mums' Team' to encourage women to lead sports

Rashida Salloo, 35, is a mentor for Mums’ Team, which aims to encourage local mothers to become community sports leaders and coaches while reaching out to those who struggle to get involved in physical activity.

Industrial chemist Rashida, whose children are two and one, already runs her own enterprise, Ready Steady Active, holding fitness sessions and coached activities for all ages in Batley. She will now advise women who sign up to the West Yorkshire Sport-funded Mums’ Team programme, which provides training to equip them with the skills they need to hold sports sessions.

Rashida will offer practical advice to Mums’ Team members and help to increase their condidence so they can arrange and lead activities.

“I see a lot of mums who have the potential to lead sport and fitness sessions, but perhaps don’t have the opportunity or the confidence to do it. Mums’ Team gives them a great way to take on this leadership role, helping to make mums of all ages and their local community more active,” said Rashida.

The free local project is part of a Sport England campaign to boost women’s involvement with sport.

Mums’ Team gives them the opportunity to gain formal coaching qualifications as well as accessing funds to set up their own classes and activities.

Rashida is also interested in ensuring Mums’ Team appeals tp ethnic minorities in towns such as Batley and Dewsbury.

“When I was younger I found it hard to get involved in sport and physical activity so I’m keen to break down these barriers so that other women of all ethnicities and ages have the confidence to do it.

“I’d really encourage mums to get involved in Mums’ Team. It is a fantastic way to do something not only for yourself, but for the local community as well. People can come with no experience at all – there really are no barriers. So if you want to, just come along and give it a go.”

To join Mums’ Team, register and find out more at www.wysport.co.uk/mums-team or contact West Yorkshire Sport on 0330 2020 280.